News

Illustration of people birding in different locations, including in an orange raft. A flock of blackbirds fills the upper left quadrant, and a red rocket stands in the middle of the illustration.
The Christmas Bird Count: “Better Than Any Animal Planet Video!”
December 13, 2024 — Volunteers who take part in the annual community science event aren't only collecting invaluable data about bird populations—they're also making memories while they're at it. We asked folks to share some of their favorites with us.
Brooke Bateman in winter gear stands outside in the snow with binoculars.
Brooke Bateman Takes the Reins of Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count
December 12, 2024 — Our Senior Director of Climate and Community Science invites you to join the longest-running bird count and describes what it means to science and to her family.
Christmas Bird Count
Two photos of a group of people looking up through binoculars, one vintage-looking and one modern.
As the Christmas Bird Count Turns 125, a Beloved Birding Tradition Looks to the Future
December 12, 2024 — With more people than ever taking part, the annual Audubon event is a growing force for science and nature conservation.
A female Wood Duck floats on the water in the falling snow.
How a Photographer Captured This Dreamy Portrait of a Female Wood Duck in the Snow
December 12, 2024 — Scott Suriano relies on waders and a floating blind to snap wintry pond scenes at surface level.
Behind the Shot
Illustration of various evergreen trees surrounded by birds.
Level Up Your Winter Birding By Knowing Your Conifers
December 12, 2024 — Use this handy guide to identify native evergreens that feed and shelter birds when foliage is scarce.
A group of Common Murres clustered together on a cliff ledge.
A Single Heatwave Killed Half of Alaska’s Common Murres, a Shocking New Study Reveals
December 12, 2024 — Nearly a decade later, the seabirds still aren’t rebounding from what researchers say was the largest animal die-off in modern history—and a stark warning about climate change.
Illustration of a bird flying through snowflakes and autumn leaves.
Gear Up For a Year of Avian Action With Our 2025 Bird Challenge Calendar
December 12, 2024 — Follow these monthly resolutions to grow as a birder—and a bird advocate—throughout the seasons.
Test Your Bird and Word Savvy With This Creative Crossword Puzzle
December 12, 2024 — Keep an eye out for vagrant clues as you tackle our avian-themed grid—and learn how you can apply a puzzling mindset in your birding, too.
Top Audubon Stories in 2024: Policy and Advocacy
December 12, 2024 — Audubon protects birds, people, and the places they need to live and thrive. Here, a look back at a selection of our policy and advocacy achievements from the last 12 months.
One person unspools wire while another holds several metal stakes. Cattle graze behind them.
To Grow Grassland Habitat, Conservationists Try a New Incentive: Cash for Birds
December 12, 2024 — Audubon and partners hope the novel approach will yield more bird-friendly grazing on livestock farms in the Midwest.